Same-sex couples can't file joint tax returns in Utah

The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that same-sex couples may file joint tax returns, but the Utah State Tax Commission says that's not the case here. (Susan Walsh, File, Associated Press)

SALT LAKE CITY — The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that same-sex couples may file joint tax returns, but the Utah State Tax Commission says that's not the case here.

When it comes to filing state tax returns, same-sex couples must file under single or head-of-household status, the Utah State Tax Commission announced Thursday.

In other words, nothing has changed.

"A taxpayer impacted by this IRS ruling must provide the same federal income tax information on the Utah return that the taxpayer would have provided prior to the IRS ruling," said Charlie Roberts, tax commission spokesman.

Same-sex couples must re-compute their federal income tax liability as being single or a head of household solely for use on their Utah tax return, Roberts said.

The Utah State Tax Commission sent a notice to taxpayers explaining, "Since Utah does not recognize same-sex marriages, same-sex couples may not file a joint state income tax return in Utah."

More information for same-sex couples filing tax returns is available on the state tax commission's website.